15 Mar 06 - U.S. AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES KOREANS TO “SEE AMERICA
March 15, 2006 - U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow and Mrs. Lisa Vershbow hosted the “See America Celebration” Reception at Habib House. Attending were approximately 200 representatives of the Korean and American travel industries and special guests.
Sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service and United Airlines, among others, the “See America Celebration” highlighted increased opportunities for travel by Koreans to the United States. Ambassador Vershbow remarked, “from magnificent national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, sparkling cities like New York and Las Vegas, the fantasy world of Hollywood and the unique beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, there is something for everyone in America.”
United Airlines General Manager David Ruch noted that the “See America Celebration” Reception marks a renaissance of Korean interest in America. “After a number of years of flat growth, indicators are now pointing to an upward trend in demand for travel to the United States,” he said.
Ambassador Vershbow said that there has never been a better time for Koreans to travel to the United States. He highlighted nonstop flights and the increased purchasing power of the Korean won as among the reasons now is a good time to travel to America.
He also emphasized the U.S. Embassy’s efforts make it easier for Koreans to obtain visas. “We have expanded the facilities of our Consular Section, streamlined the visa process and made it more convenient for our customers to schedule appointments for visa interviews,” he said. He noted that the U.S. Embassy continues to work to make the visa process even better, and will add staff to handle the increased number of customers during the busy summer months. “More than 95 percent of our visa applicants get visas,” he said. “It’s easier than you think to get a visa – as easy as making an appointment on-line and coming to the Embassy for a short interview.”
Finally, the Ambassador recognized the rather large Korean delegation that will be attending the Travel Industry Association of America’s (TIA) “International Pow-Wow” in Orlando, Florida, May 6 – 10. “Pow-Wow” is the travel industry’s premier international trade show. He expressed his hope that “our Korean friends will come back from Pow-Wow with new energy and vision to promote increased travel to the United States.”
The United States is Koreans’ 3rd most popular travel destination. In 2005, 671,000 Koreans traveled to the United States. TIA forecasts this number to increase 7.5 percent annually, with 724,000 Korean visitors expected in 2006, 775,000 in 2007 and 827,000 in 2008.
For more information, contact Ken Duckworth at 397-4356 or Grace Sung at 397-4324.